Next season, a European Match of the Day style highlights show will be broadcast on the BBC, as TNT Sports is losing the exclusive rights to the Champions League. However, TNT Sports will still show 533 of the 550 live games over the next three seasons, with Amazon Prime Video showing the other 17 matches on Tuesday nights.
This marks the first time since 2015 that TNT Sports won’t be showing the competition in full, as the BBC secures broadcast rights. The BBC’s Director of Sport, Barbara Slater, has expressed excitement at the opportunity, highlighting the value of bringing the Champions League to a wide audience in the UK.
Additionally, the Champions League format will change next season, with UEFA adopting a new Swiss-style model. This will increase the number of clubs from 32 to 36, resulting in a rise from 125 games to 189.
The BBC’s acquisition of the Champions League highlights show has been well-received, with Guy-Laurent Epstein, the marketing director of European football’s rulers, expressing enthusiasm for the partnership. He also mentioned that the BBC brand is synonymous with premium sport, indicating a positive outlook for the collaboration.
